SEPTA has set the date for its key card release on Regional Rail

It hits Aug. 1, but it's not for use in every zone

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — SEPTA has announced the date that some Regional Rail riders can start using the electronic SEPTA Key fare card.

It's been used for city transit for two years. Now, SEPTA Key has arrived on the Regional Rail system, beginning Aug. 1.

SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch said it's an early adopter program that will be open first only to monthly riders in Zone 4 — the outermost zone, located at 19 stations along the Lansdale-Doylestown, Paoli-Thorndale, Trenton and West Trenton lines.

"We'll see first how this first part of the launch goes, and then we would likely look to add additional zones from there," he said.

To use the key, Regional Rail riders will tap their electronic fare cards twice — at the turnstiles when they enter, and at a validator when they get off the train.

Busch said extra personnel will be on hand to guide commuters through the process.